World News Hits on Thursday

See presents the most dominating headlines of Thursday world news.

Top Ukraine Diplomat Testified Giuliani Spearheaded Pressure for Investigations

The top American diplomat in Ukraine identified Rudolph W. Giuliani, President Trump’s personal lawyer, as the instigator behind the drive to get Ukraine’s president to announce investigations into Mr. Trump’s political rivals, telling impeachment investigators last month that Mr. Giuliani was acting on behalf of the president. (The New York Times)

Us ‘Pullout’ from Syria Looking More Like Permanent Occupation with 800 Troops Reportedly Tasked to ‘Protect’ Oil

The long-awaited US pullout from Syria appears to have been postponed, with Pentagon sources claiming some 800 troops will stay behind to “guard” Syria’s oil, in a mission even pro-war US politicians are calling “reckless.” (Russia Today)

Washington Wants Seoul to Pay $4.7 Billion for US Forces Stationed in South Korea - Reports

The United States has demanded that South Korea pay $4.7 billion to cover the cost of US servicemen stationed there and maintaining armaments in the region, South Korean media reported on Thursday. (Sputnik)

Italy’s Government Becomes First to Mandate Climate Change Education in Schools

When students show up at school next September, they’ll have about an hour a week of a climate-change-related course. The Education Ministry will develop the curriculum with the help of scientific experts.  (The Washington Post)

Goalscoring Etiquette: Aaron Ramsey Nabs Goal from Cristiano Ronaldo

Juventus reached the last 16 of the Champions League with two games to spare thanks to Douglas Costa's superb goal, but as so often is the case, all the talk centered on Cristiano Ronaldo's performance. (CNN News)

Operations resume at Iraqi port, oil refinery after protesters leave: sources

Operations resumed at a port and an oil refinery in southern Iraq on Thursday after protesters left both areas, port officials, security and oil sources said.

They did not immediately say why the protesters had left.  (Reuters)